2014 POLITICO POLL:MOUNTING DANGERS FOR DEMS -- Alexander Burns writes for the hometown paper: “President Barack Obama’s job approval slump and voters’ entrenched wariness of his health care law are dogging Democrats ahead of the 2014 midterm elections, and Republicans have captured a lead in the areas home to the year’s most competitive races, according to a new POLITICO poll. In the congressional districts and states where the 2014 elections will actually be decided, likely voters said they would prefer to vote for a Republican over a Democrat by 7 points, 41 percent to 34 percent. A quarter of voters said they were unsure of their preference.

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-- “Among these critical voters, Obama’s job approval is a perilous 40 percent, and nearly half say they favor outright repeal of the Affordable Care Act. … Both Obama’s job approval and the partisan ballot matchup are markedly more negative for Democrats in this poll than other national surveys — a reflection of the political reality that the midterm campaign is being fought on turf that is more challenging for Democrats than the nation as a whole.” http://politi.co/1nd6ohkComplete poll coverage here:http://politi.co/1jM1bt7

-- The poll shows overwhelming support for immigration reform, from Republicans and Democrats alike, writes Katie Glueck: “Seventy-one percent of likely voters surveyed — and nine of 10 Hispanics — said they back sweeping change to immigration laws. The support spans party lines: 64 percent of Republican respondents back comprehensive immigration reform, as do 78 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of independents.” http://politi.co/1gfXpNE

-- There’s also plenty of bipartisan backing for gun control measures: “Seventy-nine percent of those surveyed would support tougher measures while 21 percent are opposed. Ninety percent of Democrats support stricter checks —as do 71 percent of Republicans and 77 percent of independents, the survey found.” http://politi.co/1gfXDV6

-- And voters shrug when it comes to misbehaving congressmen: “Only 11 percent of those surveyed said they were ‘shocked’ upon hearing ‘that a member of Congress was arrested for buying cocaine,’ the poll found. … Those surveyed were even less surprised to hear that another member of Congress ‘was videotaped kissing a staff-person who was not his wife.’ Only 4 percent said they were ‘shocked.’ Eighteen percent were ‘mildly surprised,’ but the vast majority — 77 percent — were ‘not much moved at all.’” http://politi.co/QZee3k

**A message from Unum: Income protection benefits give Americans peace of mind in the event of a disability, bridging the gap between personal savings and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, and the real-life expenses ill or injured workers face. Financial protection benefits: American workers win, and American taxpayers win. Learn more at www.ProtectingYourIncome.org **

‘YES, SENATOR, IT’S GONE’ – If you follow Sen. John McCain on Twitter, you know he really loved his Arizona Diamondbacks. But watch his pure exuberance when Paul Goldschmidt knocked one out of the park in Phoenix on Saturday. MLB.com: http://atmlb.com/1kelp3e

GOP INCUMBENTS FEND OFF REVOLT – Patrick O’Connor and Janet Hook report on A1 of the Wall Street Journal: “A much-anticipated conservative revolt against incumbent Republicans never fully materialized here in Kentucky, allowing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to build a commanding position ahead of Tuesday's GOP primary by fully embracing his role as a Washington power broker. A McConnell victory over Louisville businessman Matt Bevin, which is considered likely, would send a resounding signal to Republicans elsewhere that incumbency and deal-making are no longer the millstones many conservatives claimed them to be as the tea party gained strength in recent years.

-- “Tuesday's primary here in Kentucky, along with others in Georgia, Idaho and Oregon, represents the most important moment on the 2014 calendar to date in the tug of war between GOP leaders and conservative activists. From the beginning, Mr. McConnell has highlighted his conservative stances, but never at the expense of his main message—that his perch as a party leader gives Kentucky more clout in Congress.” http://on.wsj.com/1jYqP2Q

BLOGGER ARRESTED FOR PHOTOGRAPHING COCHRAN’S BEDRIDDEN WIFE – Geoff Pender reports for The Clarion-Ledger: “Mississippi’s already contentious U.S. Senate GOP primary race took a bizarre turn after the arrest of a political blogger who allegedly sneaked into a nursing home where incumbent Sen. Thad Cochran’s wife is bedridden, photographed her and posted the image in a political ‘hit piece’ on the Internet. Madison police arrested Clayton Thomas Kelly, 28, of Pearl on Friday night on a charge of exploitation of a vulnerable adult. He was being held on a $100,000 bond, accused of sneaking into St. Catherine’s Village in Madison, where Rose Cochran has resided since 2000, suffering from progressive dementia.

-- “Kelly operates the ‘Constitutional Clayton’ blog, a YouTube channel and other social media. He has posted numerous pieces in support of Cochran challenger state Sen. Chris McDaniel and appears to have interviewed McDaniel on video at least once. … The McDaniel campaign denied any hand in Kelly’s alleged act and said he has never worked for the campaign. McDaniel condemned it and offered condolences to the Cochran family Saturday.” http://on.thec-l.com/1gDSkz8

-- Authorities said they’d like to talk to other individuals in the case who might be part of a possible “conspiracy,” The Clarion-Ledger reports. Kelly remains jailed on $100,000 bond after making his first appearance in court Sunday. http://on.thec-l.com/1jfutog

W.H. SHUFFLE: MAYOR CASTRO TO BE TAPPED FOR HUD; DONOVAN TO OMB – Jonathan Martin and Peter Baker reported for the New York Times over the weekend: “President Obama is preparing to nominate Mayor Julián Castro of San Antonio as his new secretary of housing and urban development, elevating one of his party’s Hispanic rising stars as part of a cabinet shuffle that has possible implications for the 2016 presidential race, Democrats informed about the plans said on Saturday.

-- “Mr. Castro, who has often been mentioned as a potential vice-presidential candidate for the Democrats, would take the place of Shaun Donovan, who is to become director of the Office of Management and Budget. That job is being vacated by Sylvia Mathews Burwell, whom Mr. Obama tapped to be secretary of health and human services and who seems headed to Senate confirmation. Mr. Castro, 39, won national attention in 2012 as the keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention, and he and his twin brother, Representative Joaquin Castro, have become popular speakers on the party’s fund-raising circuit.” http://nyti.ms/1voKGfX

GOOD MONDAY MORNING, May 19, 2014, and welcome to The Huddle, your play-by-play preview of all the action on Capitol Hill. Send tips, suggestions, comments, complaints and corrections to swong@politico.com. If you don’t already, please follow me on Twitter @scottwongDC.

TODAY IN CONGRESS – The Senate meets for a pro forma session today and is back on Tuesday. The House is in at noon with votes expected about 6:30 p.m. on a number of bills considered under suspension. They include bills to award Congressional Gold Medals the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers; Jack Nicklaus, in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence, good sportsmanship, and philanthropy; Shimon Peres; and the World War II members of the “Doolittle Tokyo Raiders,” for outstanding heroism, valor, skill, and service to the United States in conducting the bombings of Tokyo.

AROUND THE HILL – From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Rep. Marc Veasey hosts a Health and Fitness Expo in the Rayburn Foyer. At 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling speaks at the The Heritage Foundation. At 3 p.m. Thursday, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, along with U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Rep. John Lewis and others, dedicate the new Harvey Milk Forever Stamp at the White House.

SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY

-- KARL ROVE doubled down on his remarks about Hillary Clinton's health, POLITICO’s Jonathan Topaz writes: “When [Fox News Sunday] host Chris Wallace asked Rove whether he has questions about her ‘physical ability’ to run for president, Rove said: ‘No, no, no, no. I don’t. I don’t. But I do think that it would not be human if you’re sitting there to say, ‘I’ve had a serious brain injury.’’ ‘A concussion by definition is a traumatic brain injury,’ Rove added later, saying that she dealt with a ‘serious health issue’ for 30 days.” http://politi.co/1sKsauu

--SEN. CLAIRE McCASKILL (D-MO.) suggested Republicans were attacking Clinton’s health because they’re scared to run against her, writes Leigh Munsil: “This is a strong, smart leader who is going to be a terrific president. And I don't care what Reince Priebus says, they do not want Hillary Clinton,’ McCaskill said [on NBC’s “Meet the Press”]. ‘Because they know she is going to ignite a spark and enthusiasm across this country and she has got the strongest resume for president of anyone who's run in a very long time.’” http://politi.co/TiBDyJ

-- W.H. CHIEF OF STAFF DENIS McDONOUGH says President Obama is “madder than hell”about the Veterans Affairs Department scandal. “‘The president is madder than hell, and I’ve got the scars to prove it, given the briefings I’ve given the president,’ he said in an interview with CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Major Garrett that aired Sunday on ‘Face the Nation.’ ‘Nobody is more outraged about this problem, right now, Major, than the president of the United States,’ McDonough added. McDonough's comments echoed VA Secretary Eric Shinseki's statement at last week's Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing, when the secretary said he was ‘mad as hell’ about the reports.” http://politi.co/1gfQeoP

THE U.I. GRAVEYARD – “Senate negotiators toiled for months to revive long-term unemployment benefits in a manner that could draw the support of both centrist Republicans and liberal Democrats. But in a few days, that effort will be all for naught. The jobless aid bill that narrowly passed the Senate in early April would extend the benefits to June 1 — but barring a surprise breakthrough, there’s almost no chance the House will take up that legislation or an alternative of its own during the last two weeks of May. So, the lack of agreement between the two chambers is sending the bill’s chief sponsors back to square one — with several Republicans doubting the Senate has the stamina to find billions more dollars to pay for a longer-term bill and then persuade the House to pass it.” http://politi.co/1jYxslJ

WOMEN FACE GLASS CEILING IN N.E. STATEHOUSES – The NYT’s Jonathan Martin writes on A1: “The industrial Northeast enjoys a reputation as a cradle of liberalism, a region that voted overwhelmingly for America’s first black president, started the push on same-sex marriage rights and can reliably be found at the forefront of causes for equality. But there is a notable gap: The Democratic Party has yet to elect a female governor in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island or Massachusetts. Even this year, with women running for governor in three of those states, it is uncertain that any of them will break the pattern. …

-- “Here at a west Philadelphia Democratic ward meeting, a crowd that had gathered Thursday to hear one of the women running for governor, Congresswoman Allyson Y. Schwartz, concentrated more on eating their fried chicken than on listening to her speech, at least until Ms. Schwartz concluded her remarks with a reminder about the stakes in Tuesday’s primary. ‘With your help, I will be the next governor, the first woman governor,’ she said, winning only her second sustained applause of the night, much of it from the women in the room.” http://nyti.ms/1jfz9KJ

-- The Hill’s Athena Cao found that Schwartz this year hasn’t voted since April 4, missing “the most votes of any House member seeking higher office while Senate hopeful Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) has logged a perfect attendance record.” http://bit.ly/1o6yf44

IN N.H., THREE GAY REPUBLICANS RUN FOR CONGRESS – Wesley Lowery reports for the WaPo: “Dan Innis … is one of three openly gay GOP candidates who, 10 years after the nation’s first gay marriages were performed in Massachusetts, are vying for offices on Capitol Hill this year. The three are Innis, who faces former congressman Frank C. Guinta in the primary to challenge Democratic Rep. Carol Shea-Porter; Richard Tisei, who hopes to be victorious in what will probably be a rematch with Rep. John F. Tierney (D-Mass.); and Carl DeMaio, a former San Diego City Council member who hopes to unseat Democratic Rep. Scott Peters. … This relative bumper crop of openly gay Republican candidates comes as the national party continues its public grappling with how to more rapidly evolve on the issue of marriage equality while attempting to hold on to the deeply conservative voters who have for decades made up much of the Republican base.” http://wapo.st/1jfBqWq

HILL REPUBLICANS RACE TO AID RALPH HALL – Abby Livingston reports for Roll Call: “Rarely are Reps. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and John A. Boehner of Ohio publicly on the same side of a GOP primary campaign. But a band of geographically and ideologically diverse Republicans are rallying behind Texas Rep. Ralph M. Hall, who is in danger of becoming the first incumbent defeated in 2014 later this month. … [A]ccording to Hall’s recent fundraising reports, including his pre-runoff report filed May 15, his colleagues have backed up that talk over the past couple of months. Nearly every Republican member of the Texas delegation, including Sen. John Cornyn, has donated to Hall’s campaign, which brought in $401,000 from April 1 to May 7, including a $100,000 loan from the candidate. Some members made multiple donations through both their campaigns and leadership PACs.” http://bit.ly/1lEr0OD

FRIDAY’STRIVIA WINNER – David Heymsfeld was first to correctly answer that the most recent painting addition to the oval mural spaces on the first floor of the Senate wing is the Space Shuttle Challenger mission crew (1987).

TODAY’S TRIVIA – Sarah Tagg offers another art question today: What famous White House painting was saved by First Lady Dolly Madison during the War of 1812? First person to send the correct answer to swong@politico.com gets a mention in tomorrow’s Huddle.

GET HUDDLE emailed to your Blackberry, iPhone or other mobile device each morning. Just enter your email address where it says “Sign Up.” http://www.politico.com/huddle/

**A message from Unum: Nothing is more important to America’s fiscal future than ensuring the financial stability of individuals and families. Income protection benefits are a critical part of America’s financial safety net. Each year, private disability insurance helps as many as 575,000 U.S. families avoid impoverishment and reliance on public assistance programs. By opting to provide private disability insurance, businesses save American taxpayers up to $4.5 billion a year. Financial protection benefits: American workers win, and American taxpayers win. Learn more at www.ProtectingYourIncome.org **

** A message from the Stop The HIT Coalition: The Health Insurance Tax (HIT) drives up health care costs for small businesses, seniors, state Medicaid programs and middle-income Americans. The HIT is estimated to cost hardworking American families an additional $5,000 over a decade. And since the cost and consequences of the HIT increase over time, America’s small businesses and hardworking families are facing a bigger HIT every year. This translates to real jobs for businesses and real wages for families. That’s why the Stop The HIT Coalition – representing the nation’s small business owners and their employees – is working hard to repeal the HIT before it causes even more damage. Congress, please stop the HIT. Once and for all. http://bit.ly/1iE6tfW **

Authors:

About The Author

Scott Wong covers transportation for POLITICO Pro, and authors The Huddle, POLITICO’s popular morning tipsheet on Congress. He was a congressional reporter with the publication from 2010 to 2012.

He reported from Tucson, Ariz., after the deadly shooting rampage that severely injured Rep. Gabby Giffords and helped break a story about Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill’s private plane that led to her admission she owed more than $300,000 in state property taxes.

He got his professional start in journalism covering local government for two small newspapers in his native San Francisco Bay Area. He later became a staff writer for The Arizona Republic, where he covered the Arizona statehouse and Phoenix City Hall.

After graduating from UCLA, he spent a year teaching English in a rural mountain village in Japan. He is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association, and lives with his wife and daughter in Washington.